✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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New Mexico’s 2026 season follows a program-changing 2025. The Lobos won nine games for just the third time this century and made their first bowl appearance since 2016. That’s a lot of momentum, but returning starting quarterback Jack Layne is out for the season after elbow surgery. His absence reshaped the quarterback picture for 2026.
CBS Sports Network, ESPN2, FS1, The CW, and MW+ all carry New Mexico games in 2026. That spread means Lobos fans need both a live TV service and MW+ to cover the full schedule.
Use this guide to keep up with New Mexico’s TV schedule and the best ways to watch the Lobos all season long. We’ll keep it updated with the latest kickoff times and TV assignments.
2026 New Mexico Lobos TV schedule
New Mexico’s schedule is headlined by a rare Power 4 road trip to Oklahoma, the annual Rio Grande Rivalry against New Mexico State, and a first-ever home matchup with conference newcomer North Dakota State. The Mountain West slate also includes games against UNLV, Wyoming, and Air Force.
Check the table below for the latest kickoff times and channels throughout the season.
CFB - New Mexico Lobos Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Mercyhurst Lakers | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 4:00 p.m. | MW+ |
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
At New Mexico State Aggies | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 3:30 p.m. | |
UTEP Miners | Saturday, Oct. 3 | TBD | MW+ |
Saturday, Oct. 17 | TBD | TBD | |
North Dakota State Bison | Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10:00 p.m. | TBD |
At San José State Spartans | Saturday, Oct. 31 | TBD | MW+ |
At Nevada Wolf Pack | Friday, Nov. 6 | 9:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
At Wyoming Cowboys | Saturday, Nov. 21 | 9:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Nov. 28 | 4:30 p.m. |
Best TV plans for watching New Mexico Lobos football
Watching every New Mexico game takes a combination of traditional TV channels and streaming platforms. A full live TV plan covers the national and broadcast channels on the Lobos’ schedule, while select Mountain West games stream separately on MW+.
For the broadest coverage, you’ll want both pieces. We selected the options below based on channel availability, price, and usability, following the approach detailed in our Editorial Policy.
Best Overall
If you’re seeking the most complete TV package, look no further than the YouTube TV Sports Plan. It includes CBS Sports Network, ESPN2, FS1, and local CW stations where available, covering the key linear channels on New Mexico’s schedule. Unlimited DVR and multiview are also useful bonuses on busy college football weekends. But you’ll still need MW+ for games exclusive to that service.
MW+
Exclusive Games
MW+ is the Mountain West’s direct-to-consumer streaming platform and home to select New Mexico games that aren’t available on traditional TV. If you don’t want to miss a Lobos game, you’ll need an MW+ subscription in addition to your live TV plan. The service also carries other New Mexico sports and Mountain West events.
How to watch New Mexico Lobos football FAQ
Where can I watch the New Mexico Lobos for free?
Eligible subscribers can use free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV to temporarily access select New Mexico Lobos games. An over-the-air antenna can also pick up Lobos games on local broadcast channels such as The CW, if available in your area.
Where can I stream New Mexico Lobos games if I don't have cable?
Outside of YouTube TV, another cable-free option for watching New Mexico games is Hulu + Live TV. It includes the core linear channels you need, but you'll still need MW+ for games exclusive to the conference streaming platform.
Can I watch New Mexico Lobos football on Paramount+?
No, you cannot watch New Mexico football on Paramount+. The service doesn't include CBS Sports Network, so it won't cover Lobos games assigned to that channel.
How do I watch New Mexico Lobos football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Lobos fans can generally use the same national channels and streaming services listed above. Local broadcast availability may vary by market.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced New Mexico’s official schedule with every major provider’s channel lineup to put together these viewing recommendations, weighing channel availability, pricing, and ease of use. We update this guide throughout the season to reflect the latest kickoff times and TV assignments. Read more about our process in our Editorial Policy.
Game day starts here!
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
